In the framework of the Union of Skills, the European Commission has recently published an Action Plan on Basic Skills, which lays out short- to medium-term goals for EU countries to improve basic reading, mathematics, science, digital and citizenship skills and to promote excellence.
The Action Plan on Basic Skills is an important step in improving education across Europe – but we need more.
While EFEE welcomes the Plan’s ambition to boost teaching and support educators, we call for the Commission to consistently and adequately address structural causes, and therefore efforts must be devoted to these as well.
In order to improve basic skills, we need to improve the attractiveness of the teaching profession, thereby reducing teacher shortages. To this end, we recommend:
- Increasing opportunities for teachers to reskill and upskill.
- Fostering connective networks for education employers and school leadership so collective solutions can be found and best practices shared.
- Facilitating supportive and interesting workplaces with multiple and diverse career pathways.
- Fully engaging educational social partners in shaping policies.
When teachers have the option to upskill, reskill, or transition into leadership, mentoring, or specialist roles, they are more likely to remain in the profession, reducing staff shortages and turnover. This stability ensures that students receive consistent, high-quality instruction in basic skills over time.
Education institutions, social partners, and policymakers must work together to ensure that all students—regardless of their background—receive the support they need to develop fundamental skills for the future. Above all, education must be valued as a good in itself, not as a means to an end.
Read EFEE’s full reaction here:
Action plan - REACTION PAPER